Thank you TDC – My wife and I were able to build a beautiful bed and feel good about not spending $2K! The directions were easy to follow, and the result came out amazing.
We made a few modifications to the plans – Replacing the plywood headboard with stained pine barn door slats and replacing wood clete with a metal bracket to hold lower support.
With the heat still fairly intense most days, out here in the hills of California, I find myself unable to stay away from the bold watery hues of blue and indigo. I want to surround myself with both dark and light shades that fall on the cooler end of the spectrum and can’t help but wish that Mother Nature would join me in my hopeful celebration of milder temps. The older I get, the more I realize that while I do indeed adore the sunshine and summertime activities, that I find the extremes of this time of year a bit debilitating and a definite hindrance to anything exciting happening after the lunchtime hour when the heat is on. It’s funny, but I don’t remember feeling this way as a youngster, and I don’t imagine that there is anything much that is different about the climate here, so I guess it’s all a matter of perspective. Oh to be young, carefree and unconcerned with the weather once again… that is the life, isn’t it?
This gorgeous work of art above has watery goodness written all over it and I’ll be damned if these fabulous coasters don’t shout for a nice frosty beverage, and potentially a blended one at that. With an umbrella… definitely an umbrella.
Of course these hand-painted cocktail napkins, would be a gorgeous way to spice up your fiesta and throw caution to the wind when you use them as the most magnificent ‘mobile coasters’ (totally a thing, right?) or part napkin and part coaster, to help you hang on tight to your ice cold drink while you mix and mingle…
This beautiful handmade yo-yo brings a bit of nostalgia to the table and might be a fabulous take away slash conversation starter gift for your guests at your next soiree. A friendly game of who can do the ‘Walk the Dog’ yo-yo trick the best (or at all) would be the perfect silly ice breaker, no?
While we are on the subject of hand-tooled leather (you know… from the coasters above), let’s ogle this amazing handcrafted leather tray while we run our toes over this fabulously textured rug. Oh a gal can dream can’t she…
What favorite finds are you craving as the summer winds to a close? Click over to see my previous Friday I’m in Love articles and what I covet throughout the year!
A great many moons ago I wrote an article for HGTV about a particular trend I foresaw just on the horizon and ready to emerge for mainstream worship. Sure enough, that beauty has come forth as the new 'it' girl in town and is quite frankly all the rage. And well… I think that is just peachy because when the crafty-folk jump on board with a new handicraft, we are all that much the better for it and the tutorials begin to trickle down with amazing varieties and many different takes on something so positively fabulous. So to celebrate these little DIY victories, I think we should round up some of the standout examples of a few of these incredible works of art and marvel at the amazing wealth of creativity right at our fingertips. To help us navigate the interwebs and find some of these notable projects, I have brought my sweet friend Heidi on board! I think you will like what she has in store for us… exciting times my friends! Xx… Rayan
Hi all! It’s Heidi again, from Brave, Wild & Free, I am ecstatic that I get to drop by to talk about the latest design trends and how you can incorporate them into your personal style. I love poking around on design blogs and creative sites to see what amazing, new things the artisans and designers in this business are cooking up. And I hope to gather together a few of them and bring them straight to you so you can try them on for size.
So let’s get right to the good stuff. And by good stuff, of course I mean shibori. This Japanese indigo dyeing technique has made quite a huge impact on fashion and home design this year. You fold and tie fabric in a variety of ways to create different patterns. It’s bohemian, edgy, traditional and ethnic…all in one – which I think is one of the main draws of this trend. It can fit in to just about any type of design concept. And the great thing about shibori is that it’s so accessible. Just grab a cloth or piece of clothing and a box of dye and go to town…
Traditionally, shibori is made with indigo, creating bright blue patterns. Wanting a more muted palette, Rachel from mrbluesky used a silver gray dye to create a custom upholstered headboard for her bed. She also has fantastic images of tea towels, tote bags and napkins she made using the shibori technique.
When you dye with indigo, your fabric actually turns a bright green first. Then, when the indigo hits the air, it begins to turn a vibrant blue. The Free People blog shows this process brilliantly, and it kind of makes me wish it stayed the neon green color in their photos. They also show how to shibori-up your ordinary white clothing (like the beautiful scarf pictured above that I am desperately in love with). And yes, I just said “shibori up”. I’m not sure that’s an actual phrase, but it is now.
1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8
Over at Design*Sponge, they have a fantastic step-by-step tutorial showing the details of four basic ways to fold and bind the fabric. They show the traditional indigo dyeing methods in a very clear and concise way (because they are Design*Sponge and thus are fantastic). I think their fan fold is my favorite.
Rachel at Smile and Wave (who has great hair, by the way) tried shibori with regular blue dyes from the craft store. Sometimes indigo is hard to get your hands on, and Rachel shows us how to use the ancient technique with the modern convenience of bottled blue dye. Plus, she did this project with her daughter and it looks super kid friendly.
Maura Grace Ambrose, the amazingly talented textile artist from Folk Fibers, shows even more binding designs – complete with correct technique names, origins and explanations. Knowing the traditional names somehow makes me feel more connected with the history of the process, which I love, and the designs she makes blow my mind.
The folks at Kinfolk, who excel at everything authentic and beautiful, show the technical and traditional way to create the amazing Japanese designs with your binding and folding. While HonestlyWTF has detailed step-by-step directions, with fantastic pictures of the process. If you are trying shibori for the first time and are a little unsure of the process – start here.
I hope these links inspire you to go out and shibori-up something of your own. And I hope you use the term “shibori up”. I want that to phrase catch on!
See you guys next time, and if you have some other fantastic resources for shibori tutorials and projects, we would love to see, so please post links in the comments if you like!
My second build from TDC!
My husband & I built these 3 pieces, plus a gorgeous table over the week-end….we used Fir lumber and stained them a warm red…..they are exactly what we had wanted and we didn't have to spend the 1100.00 to purchase them…….Thank you TDC for sharing the plans, it was so easy to build with your very descriptive examples.
Blessings,
Michelle
Fir lumber
Stained Red
I think a Side Table with storage is a perfectly versatile and adaptable piece of furniture. You might use this gorgeous gal as a nightstand, or next to your sofa, and perhaps to create a fabulous design moment on an otherwise empty wall. Mix it up and try this cute friend in a space you might not typically put a side table. You just might love it… Xx… Rayan
As with all of our plans, you are building at your own risk and you should have a firm understanding of building in general before you attempt many of our plans (some are easy as pie and perfect for beginners). With that, go forth, have fun, take lots of pictures and share them in a showcase on the site or on social media with the hashtag #builtTDCtuff and we will share our faves! Be sure to tag @thedesignconfidential on Instagram / FB and @thedesconf on Twitter / Pinterest. If you are a blogger and you post about your build, don’t forget to include a link to your post on your showcase here. Don’t forget… for all of our newer plans, clicking on the images will let them expand to enormous sizes with much greater clarity. The older plans may need updating so please let us know if you need one fixed!
Before beginning to build, always check in on my site to make sure you have the most up to date set of plans, I occasionally update and change the plans to make the building process easier or to allow for less expensive purchasing of materials! Read through the entire set of instructions and all comments before beginning this project. If you print out or save plans, be sure to check in on my site to be sure you have the most up to date set of plans, as I occasionally update things for ease of building or buying. If you are new to building, read through the GETTING STARTED section and other articles found under the BUILD tab in the menu on my site, it has valuable information about how to get started, tools and techniques. If you are unfamiliar with the finishing process, visit my Finishing school for some tips and tricks for painting like a pro and for special finishing practices. Use glue to secure your joints and Consider Painting or Staining individual sections prior to assembling. This makes the paint application virtually flawless. Coat with a spray on Poly or Wipe on Poly to protect your finish and your piece and it will last for ages. Adhere to all safety standards and guidelines, and be sure you follow safety protocol throughout your build. If you are unsure about whether you are building safely, run a quick online search for the tool or technique you are using, or contact me via email or post to the forum before you move ahead. My contact info can be found in the menu of my site.
Cut out the Table Bottom and Sides and attach as shown with glue and pocket screws.
Cut out the Table Back and attach as shown to the Table Sides and Bottom with glue and pocket screws. When the Back is in place, it will leave a 3/4” space at the top for the Table Top.
Cut out the Drawer Dividers and attach as shown on the front edge of the Table Sides with glue and pocket screws. There will be a 4-3/4” space above the Top Drawer Divider and a 6” space above and below the Bottom Drawer Divider.
Cut and attach the Table Top to the Table Sides and Table Back with glue and pocket screws. The back of the Table Top will rest on top of the Table Back.
Cut and attach the Finished Table Top to the Table Top as shown with glue and pocket screws. The front of the Finished Table Top will have a 3/4” overhang.
Time to cut out the Table Legs! You will need 4 of these exactly the same. This diagram shows you how to mark out the shape you need for the Table Legs. Use your circular saw to cut this out. If you simply connect the dots between the dimensions outlined below and use a circular saw to make these cuts, you won’t have to worry about the actual angle for each corner.
Cut the pieces for the Stretchers. Cut a 45 degree angle in each end of the long Stretchers and the short Stretchers. Also drill pocket holes along one long edge of each piece (to attach to the bottom of the Table). Secure to the Legs (the top of the Stretchers will be flush with the top of the Legs) using glue and 1-1/4” brad nails.
Position the base frame on the bottom of the Table. It will be located 5” in from each side, and 3-1/2” from the front edge. Secure using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws.
And now on to the drawers!
The next three steps will be repeated twice, since this project has two lower drawers of the same size.
Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School
// Disclaimer: Some rights reserved. Private use only. Feel Free to link to any of my plans so long as you ONLY use 1 image and provide an ADEQUATE link back to the original source and appropriate plan! Plans from this page are not to be used for commercial purposes or republished without the express written consent of Rayan Turner, The Design Confidential. By accessing or using any part of the web site, you agree to become bound by the terms and conditions of this website as outlined under Terms of Use. If you do not agree to all the terms and conditions of this agreement, then you may not access the Website or use any services. The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by The Design Confidential.com and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, personal injury or death, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of information or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website. I hope to provide accurate plans, however, I cannot guarantee each plan for accuracy. Not every plan that I post has been built and tested, so you are building at your own risk. It is recommended that you have a clear understanding of how the project works before beginning any project. Please contact me if you find an error or inaccuracy so that I might fix it. The Design Confidential.com is inspired by but does not replicate exact designs, any similarities between these plans and items sold at specialty retailers is coincidental and not endorsed by or related to any said retailers. // Affiliate links are used for tools and materials. The Design Confidential will earn a small commission for any items purchased using these links. Thank you for your support – every little bit counts!
With a baby on the way, we realized we need some more furniture, pronto. Here’s what I built.
About $275
Two Weeks
Slightly taller drawer boxes, walnut fronts with wood drawer pulls.
Birch Ply & Walnut
Hi all! A big hello to all of you wonderful TDC readers! I’m Heidi and it is such a blessing to be visiting here from my blog, Brave Wild and Free (formerly My Beautiful Mess). I have adored Rayan’s eclectic style and eye for design for such a long time – not to mention that I got to meet her adorable self in person AND eat Mexican food with her, which made me love her all the more! For those of you who don’t know me (most of you), let me introduce myself. I’m a wife and a mom (of three) from the Pacific Northwest. I love coffee, Toms, books and solitude. I have always enjoyed the peacefulness of the great outdoors – and here in the northwest it is GREAT. But, if I’m honest, I don’t love the grittiness of the outdoors.
Give me a trail to a waterfall and I’ll hike it. Give me an “I think this used to be the trail but watch out for the poison oak and ticks” and I’ll stay in the car with my Sunset Magazine and NPR podcast. As much as I love hiking and camping, there is a limit to the ruggedness I can take. And this, my new friends, is where glamping starts to call me. Solitude AND comfort…it’s like they were thinking of me when they created it.
1 // S’mores Kit 2 // Big One Travel Mug 3 // Southwestern Story Dress 4 // Duluth Backpack 5 // Women’s Luscher Omni Heat Rain Boot 6 // Chrome Lantern 7 // Pendleton Glacier 5th Ave Wool Blanket 8 // Copper + Leather Stool 9 // Boo Fire Basket 10 // 16ft Lotus Belle Tent
Just imagine sitting on your soft leather sling chair in front of your canvas tent with an enameled mug of craft coffee in your hand and a Pendleton blanket in your lap. You hear the camp cook (not you, of course) ring the bell for breakfast and you slip on your cozy Columbia boots and make your way to the crackling campfire to eat free range eggs and locally grown veggies. You spend the day wandering the wooded trails and enjoying the fresh air and tuck yourself into your feather bed at night – belly full of smores and microbrews – completely and totally at peace.
I’ve always thought this place existed only in my imagination, but then glamping resorts started popping up all over the place. Of course, you could get your own canvas tent and haul in your queen feather bed, bedroom furniture and claw-footed bathtub… Or you could just visit any of these amazing resorts and campgrounds:
Washington State // Lakedale Resort , San Juan Islands / Cherry Wood Bed, Breakfast & Barn, Yakima
Oregon // Brews with Views, Rogue River (Rafting, glamping and local craft beers. Does it get any better?)
California // Autocamp, Santa Barbara (San Fransisco & LA coming soon)
Utah // Moab Under Canvas, Moab (also available at Yellowstone & Glacier National Parks) / Shooting Star RV Resort, Escalante
Montana // The Resort at Paws Up, Greenough
Wyoming // Fireside Resort, Wilson
Colorado // Dunton Hot Springs, Dolores
New York // Camp Orenda, Johnsburg
Texas // Sinya on Lone Man Creek, Wimberley
Nationwide // Shelter Co., Based out of California, New York & Texas – Pop-up Glamping
September is the perfect time to head out glamping. The weather is cooling down, the leaves are starting to change and the rates are low. It’s cool enough in the mornings for your fall sweaters but still nice enough to hike in comfort. It doesn’t get any better.
So, who is going glamping this fall?
Image Sources // Yurts / Yurt Inside / Inside Airstream / Campfire / Airstream
Just finished the frame! Thanks for the plans! Easy build for the wife to do.
I also plan in building a canopy of some sort for the top. The only improvement I would recommend is to point out where the bolts to secure the top rail should go. You might have said and I probably just missed it. That and I used cedar 4x4s and they measure 3 3/4 where I think your plans went off a 3 1/2 wide 4×4. I’m gonna wrap a 3 inch tall peice of copper around the bottom to protect when mowing and such.
Used all cedar and have several ideas for a canopy! Thank you once again
I figure after posting the plans for the Modern Adirondack Chair last week, you might indeed like to have plans for the matching ottoman! And so… I give you precisely such a thing! Yahoo… Xx… Rayan
As with all of our plans, you are building at your own risk and you should have a firm understanding of building in general before you attempt many of our plans (some are easy as pie and perfect for beginners). With that, go forth, have fun, take lots of pictures and share them in a showcase on the site or on social media with the hashtag #builtTDCtuff and we will share our faves! Be sure to tag @thedesignconfidential on Instagram / FB and @thedesconf on Twitter / Pinterest. If you are a blogger and you post about your build, don’t forget to include a link to your post on your showcase here. Don’t forget… for all of our newer plans, clicking on the images will let them expand to enormous sizes with much greater clarity. The older plans may need updating so please let us know if you need one fixed!
Before beginning to build, always check in on my site to make sure you have the most up to date set of plans, I occasionally update and change the plans to make the building process easier or to allow for less expensive purchasing of materials! Read through the entire set of instructions and all comments before beginning this project. If you print out or save plans, be sure to check in on my site to be sure you have the most up to date set of plans, as I occasionally update things for ease of building or buying. If you are new to building, read through the GETTING STARTED section and other articles found under the BUILD tab in the menu on my site, it has valuable information about how to get started, tools and techniques. If you are unfamiliar with the finishing process, visit my Finishing school for some tips and tricks for painting like a pro and for special finishing practices. Use glue to secure your joints and Consider Painting or Staining individual sections prior to assembling. This makes the paint application virtually flawless. Coat with a spray on Poly or Wipe on Poly to protect your finish and your piece and it will last for ages. Adhere to all safety standards and guidelines, and be sure you follow safety protocol throughout your build. If you are unsure about whether you are building safely, run a quick online search for the tool or technique you are using, or contact me via email or post to the forum before you move ahead. My contact info can be found in the menu of my site.
Cut out your Side Aprons. You will need 2 of these exactly the same. This diagram shows you how to mark out the shape you need for the Side Aprons. Use your circular saw to cut this out. If you simply connect the dots between the dimensions outlined below and use a circular saw to make these cuts, you won’t have to worry about the actual angle for each corner
Cut out the Back Apron and attach as shown to the Side Aprons with glue and pocket screws. When you attach the Back Apron, align the corners noted with the top of the Side Aprons. This alignment is a little trick so that you don’t have to rip your lumber at funky angles! It will hardly be noticeable.
Cut out the Front Apron and attach as shown to the Side Aprons with glue and pocket screws. On both ends of the Front Apron, align the corners noted with the top of the Side Aprons.
Cut and attach the Back Legs as shown using glue and countersunk 1-1/4” screws or brad nails. Align the top of the Back Legs with the corners noted of the Side Aprons.
Cut and attach the Top Slats to the tops of the Front, Back and Side Aprons with glue and countersunk 1-1/4” screws or brad nails. The slats should be spaced 1/4” from each other, with approximately a 3/4” overhang past the Front Apron to later attach the Front Legs. Please note that the Top Slat toward the back of the ottoman will float slightly above the Back Legs.
Cut and attach the Front Legs as shown with glue and countersunk 1-1/4” screws or brad nails. Align the tops of the Front Legs with the noted areas of the Top Slat.
Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School
// Disclaimer: Some rights reserved. Private use only. Feel Free to link to any of my plans so long as you ONLY use 1 image and provide an ADEQUATE link back to the original source and appropriate plan! Plans from this page are not to be used for commercial purposes or republished without the express written consent of Rayan Turner, The Design Confidential. By accessing or using any part of the web site, you agree to become bound by the terms and conditions of this website as outlined under Terms of Use. If you do not agree to all the terms and conditions of this agreement, then you may not access the Website or use any services. The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by The Design Confidential.com and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, personal injury or death, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of information or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website. I hope to provide accurate plans, however, I cannot guarantee each plan for accuracy. Not every plan that I post has been built and tested, so you are building at your own risk. It is recommended that you have a clear understanding of how the project works before beginning any project. Please contact me if you find an error or inaccuracy so that I might fix it. The Design Confidential.com is inspired by but does not replicate exact designs, any similarities between these plans and items sold at specialty retailers is coincidental and not endorsed by or related to any said retailers. // Affiliate links are used for tools and materials. The Design Confidential will earn a small commission for any items purchased using these links. Thank you for your support – every little bit counts!
Happy Monday friends! I have been feverishly working on a big big project around here and I will start rolling that out this week! Yahoo, can’t wait to show you what I have been up to! In the meantime, how bout them legs? The legs on this beauty can be sanded a bit more roundy on the sides and edges for that true MCM look and feel. I am crushing hard on the inlaid look of this top and the super duper cool looking legs on this gal, roundy or not! I hope you like this fun build!
To check out all of the hundreds of free furniture plans we have published, check out the plan index page.
As with all of our plans, you are building at your own risk and you should have a firm understanding of building in general before you attempt many of our plans (some are easy as pie and perfect for beginners). With that, go forth, have fun, take lots of pictures and share them in a showcase on the site or on social media with the hashtag #builtTDCtuff and we will share our faves! Be sure to tag @thedesignconfidential on Instagram / FB and @thedesconf on Twitter / Pinterest. If you are a blogger and you post about your build, don’t forget to include a link to your post on your showcase here. Don’t forget… for all of our newer plans, clicking on the images will let them expand to enormous sizes with much greater clarity. The older plans may need updating so please let us know if you need one fixed!
Before beginning to build, always check in on my site to make sure you have the most up to date set of plans, I occasionally update and change the plans to make the building process easier or to allow for less expensive purchasing of materials! Read through the entire set of instructions and all comments before beginning this project. If you print out or save plans, be sure to check in on my site to be sure you have the most up to date set of plans, as I occasionally update things for ease of building or buying. If you are new to building, read through the GETTING STARTED section and other articles found under the BUILD tab in the menu on my site, it has valuable information about how to get started, tools and techniques. If you are unfamiliar with the finishing process, visit my Finishing school for some tips and tricks for painting like a pro and for special finishing practices. Use glue to secure your joints and Consider Painting or Staining individual sections prior to assembling. This makes the paint application virtually flawless. Coat with a spray on Poly or Wipe on Poly to protect your finish and your piece and it will last for ages. Adhere to all safety standards and guidelines, and be sure you follow safety protocol throughout your build. If you are unsure about whether you are building safely, run a quick online search for the tool or technique you are using, or contact me via email or post to the forum before you move ahead. My contact info can be found in the menu of my site.
Cut the pieces for the Top. With the Kreg jig set for 3/4” material, drill pocket holes in each piece of the Table Top as shown. To add visual interest, make the “Contrasting Top Pieces” a different color or a grain perpendicular to the other Top Pieces. Assemble as shown with glue and 1-1/4” pocket screws.
(Top View)
(Bottom View)
Cut the pieces for the Table Top Edge Pieces. Assemble as shown with glue and 1-1/4” brad nails.
Next, cut the pieces for the Legs. The Legs will taper from the top at a 3-1/2” width down to a 1-1/2” width at the bottom. With the Kreg jig set for 3/4” material, drill pocket holes at the top of each Leg. These pieces can be “contrasting” in color or style.
Assemble as shown with glue and 1-1/4” pocket screws.
Cut the pieces for the Bottom Supports as shown. With the Kreg jig set for 3/4” material, drill pocket holes in the upper area and side areas of each Bottom Support. These pieces can be “contrasting” in color or style.
Assemble as shown with glue and 1-1/4” pocket screws.
Cut the piece for the Bottom Shelf. Attach to the Bottom Supports as shown with glue and 1-1/4” pocket screws.
Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School
// Disclaimer: Some rights reserved. Private use only. Feel Free to link to any of my plans so long as you ONLY use 1 image and provide an ADEQUATE link back to the original source and appropriate plan! Plans from this page are not to be used for commercial purposes or republished without the express written consent of Rayan Turner, The Design Confidential. By accessing or using any part of the web site, you agree to become bound by the terms and conditions of this website as outlined under Terms of Use. If you do not agree to all the terms and conditions of this agreement, then you may not access the Website or use any services. The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by The Design Confidential.com and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, personal injury or death, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of information or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website. I hope to provide accurate plans, however, I cannot guarantee each plan for accuracy. Not every plan that I post has been built and tested, so you are building at your own risk. It is recommended that you have a clear understanding of how the project works before beginning any project. Please contact me if you find an error or inaccuracy so that I might fix it. The Design Confidential.com is inspired by but does not replicate exact designs, any similarities between these plans and items sold at specialty retailers is coincidental and not endorsed by or related to any said retailers. // Affiliate links are used for tools and materials. The Design Confidential will earn a small commission for any items purchased using these links. Thank you for your support – every little bit counts!
It’s time for our little to head back to school and for those who are elementary age and above, this generally means it’s time to hit the books. It seems as though a desk is an ideal piece to add to your handmade DIY furniture collection and this particular beauty is mighty fine speciman. Not too traditional, not too rustic, just the right amount of clean and streamlined… that means you should have no problem with competing styles when you add this baby to your home and hardware is completely up for grabs! Gotta love a versatile piece, don’t you think? Xx… Rayan
Before beginning to build, always check in on my site to make sure you have the most up to date set of plans, I occasionally update and change the plans to make the building process easier or to allow for less expensive purchasing of materials! Read through the entire set of instructions and all comments before beginning this project. If you print out or save plans, be sure to check in on my site to be sure you have the most up to date set of plans, as I occasionally update things for ease of building or buying. If you are new to building, read through the GETTING STARTED section and other articles found under the BUILD tab in the menu on my site, it has valuable information about how to get started, tools and techniques. If you are unfamiliar with the finishing process, visit my Finishing school for some tips and tricks for painting like a pro and for special finishing practices. Use glue to secure your joints and Consider Painting or Staining individual sections prior to assembling. This makes the paint application virtually flawless. Coat with a spray on Poly or Wipe on Poly to protect your finish and your piece and it will last for ages. Adhere to all safety standards and guidelines, and be sure you follow safety protocol throughout your build. If you are unsure about whether you are building safely, run a quick online search for the tool or technique you are using, or contact me via email or post to the forum before you move ahead. My contact info can be found in the menu of my site.
Cut the pieces for the legs, side frames, and side panels. Set the Kreg jig for ¾” material and drill pocket holes in each end of the frame pieces as well as all four edges of the panels. Secure the frame pieces to the panels using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws. The outside face of the panels will be flush with the outside face of the frame pieces.
Secure the panel assembly to the legs using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws.
Cut the pieces for the back frame and panels. Drill pocket holes in each end of the frame pieces as well as all four edges of the panel. Secure the frame pieces to the panel using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws. The outside face of the panel will be flush with the outside face of the frame pieces.
Secure the panel assembly to the legs using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws.
Cut the pieces for the front stretchers and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure to the legs using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws.
Cut the piece for the center divider. Secure to the front stretchers using glue and 1-1/4” brad nails.
Cut the pieces for the top and the top trim. Drill pocket holes in all four edges of the top. Secure the sides to the top using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws, then secure the longer trim pieces in the same manner.
Position the top so that the back is flush with the back of the desk, and the sides and front overhang by ½”. Fasten in place using glue and 1-1/4” brad nails.
Cut the pieces for the drawer slide spacers. Secure the 1×2 side pieces using glue and countersunk 1-1/4” screws. Secure the center 2×2 using glue and countersunk screws through the divider and back into the spacer.
Cut the pieces for the drawer boxes. Drill pocket holes in all four edges of the bottom as well as each end of the sides. Assemble the drawer box as shown using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws. Install the drawer slides according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions, locating them ¾” back from the front edge of the sides. . For an easy tutorial, click here. Make any necessary adjustments.
Cut the pieces for the drawer fronts. Mark the position for the drawer pulls and drill the holes. Shim the drawer front in the opening – there will be a 1/8” gap around all sides – then drive screws through the holes for the drawer pulls into the drawer box. Open the drawer, and secure the drawer front using countersunk 1-1/4” screws from the inside. Remove the screws from the holes for the drawer pull then finish drilling the holes. Install the drawer pull. For an easy tutorial on installing drawer fronts, click here.
Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School
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